With a growing enthusiasm about "Going Green," I am constantly aware that there is a lack of clarity on the subject.  If you are asked "What is the definition of Green?" what would you answer?  The trouble is that the over-use and mis-use of the word, Green, turns it into a catchall concept that defies definition.  Yet, everyone is told to take their business Green, and this is very frustrating.  Just the other day, I saw a cab business called Green Cab because they used fuel efficient cars.  Was that the proper use of Green?

While I am sure that I am flying against the opinion of many self-appoint Green advocates, Green is always defined in relation to health and well-being of living things.  Environmentalism may deal with the things that impact the earth, but anything Green has emphasis on people and living things.  So, in my opinion, the Green Cab service misused the word, but there is little anyone we can do to make it right.

The Green building is yet another example of mixed definitions.  When we consider ecology or environmental issues, a building may include numerous ideas that area more earth-friendly.  For example, reducing energy use may help the earth and therefore be considered an environmental contribution, but how is it Green in the immediate application?  Green buildings to some experts are the combination of environmentalism and Green issues to create an optimum facility.  Unfortunately, this broad approach to building management can be costly, never-ending, and intrusive.  So, let's talk about a Green Building as viewed by the Green Business League.

Defining Green as a health and wellbeing issue, let's consider the start point for a Green building.  Sanitation, cleaning, and maintenance are the common need of any facility.  Since cleaning is the universal need for all buildings, it is also the logical starting point for starting the Green building process.

A Green Building needs three key contributions even though it may go on to incorporate environmental issues.  The three key parts are: (1) Green Products for cleaning and maintenance, (2) Green Practices by the trained and certified janitorial service, and (3) Green Management by the company to encourage strides in the improvement of the operational program.

Using this three-tier protocol, it is possible to transition to a Green Building in less than one year and without a huge investment.  The unspoken truth is that creating a Green building under existing systems can be an open-ended commitment that drains the profits out of a company into the hands of advisers and associated contractors.  The current trend of Green building certification consultant is a misguided program of enrichment for those who position themselves as the Green consultants in the market.

R. Michael Richmond of Green Clean Institute agrees that market is confused now and tends toward Green-driven spending that goes well beyond Green concerns.  Environmentalism and Green are two separate issues that are often complimentary, but sometimes at odds.  Confusion of the world issues and the building issues deserve our attention, but keeping our definitions clear allows business to achieve goals much better.

Take the Green Survey by going to Green Business League or at Green Janitor and getting a download that will help any business transition to a Green Building in affordable and practical steps.